The Lagos State government has allocated over N140 billion to social protection initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents and ensuring that no Lagosian is left behind in the state’s development agenda.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs. Olayinka Ojo, disclosed this at the Lagos State Social Protection Partners Forum, describing the investment as a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to shared prosperity and inclusive growth.

“Mr. Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has emphasised his commitment to positively impacting the lives of Lagosians, with over 20 social-focused MDAs, more than 90 social interventions, and over N140 billion in budgetary allocation,” Mrs. Ojo stated.

She explained that the financial commitment reflects the administration’s determination to build a coordinated social protection system that caters to vulnerable residents across all local governments and local council development areas.

According to her, the state has made commendable progress in establishing frameworks to support the poor and vulnerable. “Today marks a significant milestone in our state’s commitment to the principle of shared prosperity,” she said, adding that the government is developing standards and systems for social investment aimed at eradicating poverty.

Mrs. Ojo noted that the Lagos State Social Protection Policy, approved in 2020, targets improvements in livelihoods, health, education, gender equality, youth empowerment, support for persons living with disabilities, and overall human capital development. The policy is being driven by the Social Protection Coordinating Department, which serves as the secretariat for 22 identified MDAs working through a technical working group.

She said the state stands out as the only state in Nigeria with a dedicated Social Protection Coordinating Department. “While other states have remained at the residual creation of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Lagos State government has taken it further, investing your taxes and revenue into ensuring that your lives are catered for,” she said.

She said the government is developing an advanced data management system to map vulnerable populations across the state using geospatial technology combined with community-level engagement. “We intend to create a system that does not just share out the so-called shared prosperity, but identifies where the vulnerable are and ensures inclusion and empowerment, especially for our youth,” she explained.

She added that in 2025, the state plans to intensify downstream integration of its social register through engagements with Community Development Association chairmen, Community Development Committee coordinators, and market leaders across Lagos.

“Who will first recognise and identify those who are vulnerable in their community? It takes the community leaders, those who dwell in the same community with the vulnerable people,” Mrs. Ojo said.

UN Women Country Representative, Beatrice Eyong, emphasised the critical need for gender-responsive social protection systems, noting that fewer than one in ten people are covered by at least one form of social protection.

Speaking at the forum, Eyong commended the Lagos State Government’s leadership in strengthening social protection systems that place inclusion and dignity at the centre of governance.

“At the heart of effective social protection is the need for a fairer, more responsive approach that recognises the different realities, beliefs and experiences of women, girls, men and boys,” she stated, describing the forum as a timely platform for collaboration among government, development partners, civil society and the private sector.

According to her, the country faces significant challenges. “Women are more likely than men to live in poverty, especially in illiterate households, due to limited access to civil, legal, land, trade and social insurance rights. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, over 70 per cent of working women in Nigeria live in poverty-impacted states, while immigrated households account for 32 per cent,” she said.

“If you calculate that, it means Nigeria has at least 40 million persons—boys and girls, men and women—living in those households,”Eyong added, warning that without deliberate intervention, poverty would continue to deepen.

Social Policy Manager, UNICEF, Muhammad Okorie, commended Lagos for its exemplary leadership in implementing comprehensive social protection programmes that prioritise grassroots engagement and long-term human capital development.

“When you think long-term, you are already thinking about human capital development. You are thinking about how to build the next generation that will drive the economy,” Okorie said, highlighting the link between social protection and economic competitiveness.

He noted that Lagos stands out among states for its forward-thinking approach. “They are already thinking beyond 2026, projecting into 2027,” he said, adding that the state has demonstrated a truly multi-sectoral commitment to social protection.

Executive Secretary, Lagos State Scholarship Board, Mrs. Daranijo, emphasised the importance of collaboration in ensuring that no child is denied access to education due to financial constraints.

“Partnering for the good of the community can never go wrong. The government continues to support students and the institutions that serve their communities,” she said, highlighting the board’s collaboration with stakeholders in identifying and supporting deserving students.

She explained that the scholarship programme works closely with communities to verify family circumstances and ensure that financial hardship does not become a barrier to education. “We work with communities to verify family situations so that children can still go to school despite financial challenges,” she said.

The forum also featured the formal presentation of the Lagos State Social Protection Report 2025, titled “Leaving No One Behind: Tracking Social Protection Coverage and Vulnerability.”